Plan for ‘Global Britain’ includes more nuclear weapons
In a declaration of its aspiration to become ‘‘Global Britain’’, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled his government’s 10-year plan to boost international trade and deploy soft power around the world. But his government surprised many by declaring that it would also increase its arsenal of nuclear warheads, not only to deter traditional threats but to confront biological, chemical and perhaps even cyber assault.
In the sweeping review of its priorities for the coming decade, the 110-page document says the United Kingdom will raise the cap on the number of nuclear warheads aboard the Royal Navy’s Trident submarines from 180 to 260, an increase of more than 40 per cent. It also vows to maintain a fleet of four nuclear-armed subs, so it would always have one at sea, ready to respond.
The new goal appears to mark a profound shift away from Britain’s long commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. For decades, it seemed content to reduce its ageing nuclear arsenal, not bolster it. Britain currently has around 200 warheads, and past Conservative Party governments had pledged to reduce this to 180 by the mid-2020s. Johnson’s government will now increase this cap to 260 warheads.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the country was not seeking a new arms race, but simply wanted to maintain a minimal credible deterrence.
The review, which was two years in the making, foresees a possible proliferation of nuclear weapons outside Britain, alongside advanced conventional weapons and ‘‘novel military technologies’’.
The document says that Britain ‘‘will not use, or threaten to use, nuclear weapons against any non-nuclear weapon state party’’.
But it adds: ‘‘We reserve the right to review this assurance if the future threat of weapons of mass destruction, such as chemical and biological capabilities, or emerging technologies that could have a comparable impact, makes it necessary.’’
Experts reviewing the document’s language said it suggested that in the event of a crippling biological, chemical, cyber or ‘‘dirty bomb’’ attack of mass proportions, then Britain would consider a nuclear counterattack.